Memory Maker 101

One of the decisions that you’ll need to make when planning a Disney vacation is whether or not to purchase Memory Maker. I’m here to let you know the basics of what Memory Maker is and help you make a more informed decision.

First, the Disney definition of Memory Maker:

“Memory Maker is an incredible new way to enjoy unlimited digital Disney PhotoPass photos captured at hundreds of locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort—including select attraction and dining locations. The photos are conveniently connected to your online Disney account with a touch of your MagicBand or card.

You can conveniently view, download and share your Disney PhotoPass memories on MyDisneyPhotoPass.com and on the My Disney Experience Mobile App.

There’s no need to purchase each photo individually. You can simply enjoy your vacation knowing that your memories are being captured for you.”

Now, the real person definition of Memory Maker:

Memory Maker is a service that you can purchase before or during your stay at Disney. While any guest can take advantage of Disney PhotoPass services during their stay, Memory Maker allows you to access and download digital copies of your photos for up to 30 days after your trip. Without purchasing Memory Maker, guests would need to buy prints of the photos that they want.

Throughout the parks you will find PhotoPass Photographers located in key areas (such as in front of the castle, Tree of Life, etc.). The photographers will take your picture using a professional camera to make sure that the exposure is just right. The best part? The whole family is able to be in the photo! No more missing Mom from every vacation picture.

Memory Maker also lets you link your ride photos and some dining experience photos to your account as well.

After your photo is taken, the PhotoPass Photographer will scan your MagicBand (or PhotoPass card), and your photos will be digitally linked to your Disney account.

My Review:

I personally think that Memory Maker is a great value! For around $150.00, you have access to every single photo taken during your stay at Disney. If you were to purchase these photos individually as prints, $150.00 would only get you around 8-12 different poses. I love the ability to digitally download my photos right to my computer. That way, I can send them over to Walgreens or Meijer and have them printed for a couple cents each. The downloads also let you upload your photos to Facebook, etc. so you can share your memories with all of your friends.

Access to ride photos is definitely a perk as well! To purchase these photos individually is going to cost about $15-$20 for each photo. With Memory Maker, all of these are included.

Of course, you can always hand a PhotoPass Photographer your own camera and they will snap a picture of you for free that way as well. However, I would not advise trying to take a selfie on Splash Mountain – if you want that photo, you either need Memory Maker, or a deep pocket book.

Memory Maker is also great if you are travelling with a large group, such as a family reunion. Rather than buying 10 prints of the same picture for each member of your group, just split the cost of Memory Maker and you download every single picture from your trip together and share digitally.

As you view your photos, you are also able to add borders, text, characters, autographs, etc. to your pictures to make them more personalized.

It is important to remember that the time you have to view and download your photos is finite. Don’t let your time expire and lose all of those vacation memories.

Have you ever used Memory Maker before? What were your thoughts and would you buy it again? Let me know in the comments.